5 REASONS MOM’S THE REAL MVP

Most cynics will be surprised to learn Mother’s Day wasn’t invented by greeting card companies. In fact, the first Mother's Day was founded on May 10th, 1908 by Anna Jarvis of Grafton, West Virginia, who wanted to honor her mother and moms everywhere. President Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday in 1914 and we’ve been celebrating moms since. Celebrating Mom is a good thing because there are many reasons why she is the real MVP. Here are five:

1. She’s in Charge
Did you ever get ‘the look’? You know, the one that says “Wait ‘til we get home” or the “I’m not amused” glare. Moms make sure we stay on the straight and narrow. That explains why they have eyes in the back of their heads, laser vision and ESP all rolled into one. And it’s why they always have the last word. Always. Not much gets past Mom. It’s no wonder she’s earned the title Mominater, Commander in Chief, Numero Uno, Major Mom, Her Highness, or The Force.

2. She’s Great in a Pinch
Leave it to Mom to always have the answer or quick fix to any problem. She’s a confidant, sage, fixer, and event coordinator all rolled into one. Moms juggle laundry, bake sales, homework, little league practice, car pools, and never miss a beat. Maybe that’s why moms also make great entrepreneurs like Allison O’Kelly the founder of Mom Corps, Sheila Lirio Marcelo–a remarkable problem-solving mom entrepreneur who launched Care.com and single mom Lakisha Simmons who, following a divorce, turned around her net worth in under four years and now helps others do the same. Kudos, Mom!

(Source: MyHero: Ruth Handler, inventor of Barbie, was inspired by her daughter’s love for paper dolls.)

3. She’s Always Got Your Back
Mom loves you no matter what, keeps all your secrets and drops everything when you call. Going the extra mile is in her DNA. Every sweater Mr. Roger wore on Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood was knitted by his mom. Tony Cavallo’s 50-something mom became superhuman when a car slipped off the jack on top of him, while he was working on it. She lifted the 3,500-pound vehicle four inches then held it up for five minutes until friends dragged him to safety. Mary Thomas, a single mom of nine living on Chicago's West Side, determined that her kids would have the education she never had. When her youngest left college early to go pro he agreed, in writing, he’d finish earning his degree. Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas kept his promise graduating six years later on Mother’s Day.

(Source: Best Moms Ever, MemesBam)

4. She’s on 24/7/365
A recent study by Welches revealed that motherhood is equivalent to working 2.5 jobs. The average mom works 98 hours a week. No wonder moms are so tired! That said, it’s not the quantity but quality of time that makes the difference. Many studies have shown links between quality parent time and positive outcomes for their kids—being together at mealtime, reading to them, engaging one-on-one, being there when it matters most. When it comes to putting in the time, no one else comes close.

(Source: Buzzfeed.com)

5. She’s Loyal to the End
For kids of all ages, “Mom” is often the most important title on any resume. Some other more amusing titles include Household CEO, Play Date Social Secretary, Chauffer, Peacekeeper, Crisis Negotiator, Fast Food Chef, to name a few. LeBron James put it best when he said, “Moms have the toughest job in the world… they should have more than one day.” Moms are the unspoken heroes, no, superheroes. Whether they work or stay at home, they do it all, day-in and day-out for the rest of their lives, for payment in hugs, kisses and the occasional “thanks Mom, you’re the best!”

So a big shout out to moms everywhere. You really are the best Mom ever!